REGIONAL DISTRICT OF CENTRAL OKANAGAN ELECTORAL AREA: CENTRAL OKANAGAN EAST LIQUID WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN STAGE 1 REPORT.

Transcription

1 REGIONAL DISTRICT OF CENTRAL OKANAGAN ELECTORAL AREA: CENTRAL OKANAGAN EAST LIQUID WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN Prepared by: Timothy R. Forty, P.Eng Quaran Environmental STAGE 1 REPORT October 19, 2007 Communications and Public Consultation Information prepared by: Jan Enns, MA Jan Enns Communications

2 Executive Summary: Stage 1 A Liquid Waste Management Plan (LWMP) is being developed for the Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO) Electoral Area (fo. The area covered by the LWMP includes: Ellison, Joe Rich, the Southern tip of Lakeshore Road, June Springs, McCulloch, Chute Lake and Okanagan Mountain Park and all the area in between. Stage 1 involved identifying the areas covered by the plan, collecting pertinent data and determining all the potential options for the management of wastewater for each sub-area of the plan. This report details the options that were identified during the Stage 1 process and they are tabulated in Appendix C for quick reference. A total of 24 options have been identified to date in Stage 1. These options were developed from input provided by the Advisory Committee, comments received from government agencies, comments made by the public and by the consultant based on past experience with similar projects elsewhere. It is possible that additional options may be suggested as a result of this report or during the development of Stage 2. Further development, costing and the selection of an option or mix of options for each area will occur in Stage 2. A single Advisory Committee, (AC) was formed to provide input and advice from a local perspective and to assist in ensuring that the information developed was relevant to the residents of the plan area. The comprehensive public information program included a newsletter, advertising, media releases, poster distribution and regular updates on the RDCO website. The public consultation program culminated in two Public Information Meetings that were held in the Ellison and Joe Rich areas to advise the public about the options that had been identified for the management of wastewater in the plan area. In addition, as requested by the Advisory Committee, information on septic tank care and maintenance was also provided. The public were asked to provide comments on the various options being presented and to provide any additional options for consideration. This information was complied in an exit survey and is included in the detailed Public Consultation report in Appendix D. In general there does not appear to be any major urgency to provide sewer service to any areas that do not already have such service. However, given the current and projected growth in some areas as well as the potential for septic system failure as tile fields age, it is recommended that the options for each area be examined to ascertain which could be utilized if the need should arise and which options could be eliminated as they will not work or are unacceptable to the residents of the area in question. Page ii

3 For purposes of this report the 24 options have been reorganized and renumbered from the original information presented to the public, without changing the content. The new description of options range from 0 to 24 and are summarized in this report as follows: the management of septic systems and so extend their useful life and delay the need to implement expensive remedial action. Option 3 involves monitoring to determine if there are any environmental or health issues or concerns that are developing that may need to be addressed. Options 4 through 22 are potential options identified for the management of liquid wastes for each of the higher density development areas that could be utilized if health or environmental issues should develop. Option 23 contains the stormwater management options identified as being appropriate for this LWMP and Option 24 identifies the process for the management of agricultural wastes as it currently exists. Further development of these options, plus any new ones that are suggested, will be expanded in Stage 2 and the preferred option, or mix of options, for each area will be selected by the residents of that area. Page iii

4 INDEX INDEX... i LIST OF FIGURES AND TABLES... iv GLOSSARY OF TERMS AND ACRONYMS... v 1 INTRODUCTION LWMP PLAN DEVELOPMENT WHAT IS A LWMP? WHY DEVELOP A LWMP? HOW DO YOU DEVELOP A LWMP? LWMP Ground Rules LWMP Process LWMP AREA ELLISON AREA: Ellison Area: Ellison Community Ellison Area: Scotty Creek Area... 6 Ranch Park Ellison Area: Sunset Ranch Ellison Area: Spencer Road Area JOE RICH COMMUNITY: OTHER AREAS Area including the southern tip of Lakeshore Road June Springs McCulloch Chute Lake and Okanagan Mountain Park Other Area CURRENT SITUATION SEWAGE WASTES MANAGEMENT Ellison Area: Sunset Ranch Ellison Area: Scotty Creek residential area Other Areas in the LWMP area STORMWATER MANAGEMENT AGRICULTURAL WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT OTHER WASTEWATERS MANAGEMENT GOVERNMENT AGENCY COMMENTS BASED UPON THEIR LEGISLATED MANDATE 17 Page i

5 5.1 INTERIOR HEALTH MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AGRICULTURAL COMMENTS ENVIRONMENT CANADA SEWAGE WASTE MANAGEMENT OPTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION OPTIONS THAT APPLY TO ALL AREAS Option 0 Maintain the status quo, leave everything as it is particularly for the lower density areas of the Ellison and Joe Rich areas Option 1 Maintain status quo but reduce health and environmental impacts by developing public education initiatives Option 2 Maintain status quo but reduce health and environmental impacts by a series of bylaws Option 3 Establish a monitoring program to determine the health and environmental impacts from development in the LWMP area OPTIONS THAT APPLY TO SPECIFIC AREAS Regional District could provide sewage collection, sewage treatment and effluent disposal services to the higher density areas Private developers could provide sewage collection, sewage treatment and effluent disposal services to the higher density areas Options For Sunset Ranch Option 4 and remain in the RDCO Option Option 6 sewage system owner operator Options For Scotty Creek Option Option Option 9 sewage system owner operator Options For Ranch Park Mobile Home Park Option 10 City of Kelowna Option 11 the RDCO Option 12 Home Park could have sewer service provided by a private sewage system owner operator Options For Country View Area Option 13 Kelowna Option Option 15 sewage system owner operator Options For Small Subdivisions With Small Lots Option Page ii

6 Option 17 s/dion Road area Option Option Option Option 21 Lakeshore Road area Option Option Option OTHER WASTEWATERS MANAGEMENT APPENDIX A CITY OF K APPENDIX B POPULATION INFORMATION MASTER TABLE APPENDIX C TABLE OF OPTIONS APPENDIX D PUBLIC CONSULTATION REPORT Page iii

7 LIST OF FIGURES AND TABLES Figure 3.0: LWMP Plan Area... 4 Figure 3.1: Ellison OCP Plan Area Figure 3.1.4: Ellison Area showing Country Rhodes and Sunset Ranch... 8 Figure 3.2: Joe Rich Plan Area Figure 3.2.1: Joe Rich Area: Falconridge Figure 3.2.2: Joe Rich Area: Greystokes/Dion Road Figure 3.3.1: Southern Tip of Lakeshore Road Figure 3.3.2: June Springs Figure 3.3.3: McCulloch Figure 3.3.4: Chute Lake and Okanagan Mountain Park Table 3.1: Ellison Area Population... 9 Table 3.2: Joe Rich Community Population Table 3.3.1: Southern Tip of Lakeshore Road Population Table 3.3.2: June Springs Population Table 3.3.3: McCulloch Population Table 3.3.4: Chute Lake and Okanagan Mountain Park Population Table 5.1: Septic System Failures Reported To Interior Health Table B1: LWMP Area Population Table C1: LWMP Options listed for each Area Page iv

8 GLOSSARY OF TERMS AND ACRONYMS Term or Acronym Definition Biosolids BAMP BOD BNR COP Disinfection Effluent LWMP MCS MOE MSR OC OCP OMRR Pathogen Permit Primary RLUB The solids waste, or sludge, from a sewage treatment plant that has received treatment to remove pathogens and is of a quality that it is suitable for use as a soil amendment or soil conditioner (See OMRR) Best Agricultural Management Plan. A plan developed for agricultural operations for controlling their wastewaters Biochemical Oxygen Demand. The amount of oxygen needed to breakdown the Biological Nutrient Removal. An advanced tertiary sewage treatment process that removes nutrients biologically from sewage wastes and can produce an effluent that may be discharged to surface waters without negative impact Code of Practice. Refers to a code which defines acceptable practices, developed under the Municipal Sewage Regulation. An example is the Code of Practice for the Use of Reclaimed Water which is a key reference and guidance document for implementing reclaimed water use and complying with the MSR A treatment process used to kill or deactivate pathogenic material. Chlorination and UV are processes commonly used for disinfecting effluent before discharge to the environment The treated liquid discharge from a sewage treatment plant Liquid Waste Management Plan Ministry of Community Services. Formerly known as MCAWS, Ministry of Municipal Affairs Ministry of Environment. Formerly known as MWLAP or the Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection Municipal Sewage Regulation. A regulation that prescribes the treatment requirements for the authorized discharge of municipal wastes to the environment. Authorization to discharge Operational Certificate. The OC provides the conditions under which a discharge, authorized by the Minister when a LWMP was approved, must occur Official Community Plan. There is only one OCP in the LWMP area and that is the Ellison OCP Organic Matter Recycling Regulation. OMRR provides the criteria for the production of biosolids and the restrictions for the use of Biosolids Bacteria, viruses or cysts (oocycts) that may affect the health of humans or animals Authorization for the discharge of a waste to the environment. Includes specific treatment, quality and monitoring requirements. Existing permits remain in force until cancelled. New Permits are no longer being issued and discharge authorizations are being provided under the MSR or by an approved LWMP Primary treatment is essentially the removal of solids from wastewater Rural Land Use Bylaw. There is only one RLUB in the LWMP area, the RLUB for the Joe Rich Area Reclaimed Water The effluent from a sewage treatment plant that has undergone sufficient treatment that it may be used for golf course or crop irrigation or for stream flow augmentation in the summer when stream flows drop to levels that endanger aquatic life Secondary Sewage Secondary treatment consists of primary treatment plus the removal of BOD from wastewater Also known as raw sewage, municipal wastewater, liquid waste or wastewater Page v

9 Sludge Stormwater Tertiary Treatment UV The solid or semi-solid waste from a sewage treatment plant. Sludge may be processed into useful biosolids in accord with the requirement of the OMRR Water that is generated as a result of precipitation - including snowmelt. May contain solids, oils and other contaminants Tertiary treatment consists of secondary treatment with nutrient removal processes added. The City of Kelowna operates an advanced tertiary treatment plant utilizing BNR technology to produce effluent of such high quality that it can be discharged directly to Okanagan Lake with no adverse affect The removal of contaminants from wastewater Ultra Violet. UV is a form of disinfection where high intensity ultraviolet light is used to kill or deactivate pathogenic material Wastewater Often meant as a short form for Municipal Wastewater in the LWMP context, one portion of which is raw sewage. Stormwater runoff is another municipal wastewater Page vi

10 REGIONAL DISTRICT OF CENTRAL OKANAGAN LIQUID WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR: ELECTORAL AREA: CENTRAL OKANAGAN EAST STAGE 1 Report 1 INTRODUCTION A Liquid Waste Management Plan (LWMP) is being developed for the Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO) Electoral Area. The LWMP will identify existing conditions and will involve identifying and developing suitable options for the management of liquid wastes, such as sewage, stormwater and other wastewaters in the plan area. The LWMP is intended to complement the other two major plans for the area. An Official Community Plan (OCP) exists for the Ellison Area and a Rural Land Use Bylaw (RLUB) that is currently under amendment for the Joe Rich Area. It is anticipated that the LWMP will be concluded some time after the completion of the amendment to the RLUB for the Joe Rich Area. As a result during the development of the LWMP, it will be necessary to remain cognizant of any changes to the RLUB that might affect the LWMP. The RDCO has produced a Growth Management Strategy Bylaw, agreed to by the Regional Board and all member municipalities, that generally supports development decisions that are, on a local basis, sustainable and environmentally responsible. 2 LWMP PLAN DEVELOPMENT Liquid Waste Management Plans were introduced to British Columbia in the mid-1980s as a way of directly involving the people of a community in the process of selecting their preferred long term solution to the problem of managing liquid wastes in their community. The process involves ensuring all reasonable options are considered, and it culminates in the selection of a preferred option or mix of options. The preferred option is detailed in the LWMP documents, which also include the opportunities for public involvement and details of the public consultation program. After the Minister of Environment provides formal approval the community may request grant monies for the implementation of the LWMP. Communities with an approved LWMP for the handling of their liquid wastes normally have a greater chance of success with their grant applications than those who do not. Once the LWMP is finalized Ministry staff may issue an Operational Certificate which provides the technical quality and environmental requirements for the discharge of liquid wastes that were identified in the approved LWMP. Details of the LWMP process are included below. 2.1 WHAT IS A LWMP? A LWMP is a plan for a municipality or specific area that charts the future course of action with respect to sewage, stormwater and other wastewaters, including the management, collection, treatment, and disposition of the effluent. A LWMP covers more than solutions for managing liquid wastes. It can also deal with lot sizes, zoning issues in unsewered areas, water conservation programs, and public education programs aimed at making septic systems more environmentally friendly. NOTE: A LWMP can specify minimum lot sizes for new lots being created to ensure that septic disposal issues are adequately addressed. This requirement is often used to reinforce the 1 hectare minimum lot size specified by the Ministry of Community Services (MCS) for new lots being Page 1

11 created where septic tank tile field disposal is intended for handling sewage wastes. A LWMP is a tool used to develop cost-effective solutions to address local liquid waste issues, it allows a community to: protect human health and the environment, develop strategies to minimize wastewater generation, meet water conservation goals, maximize use of reclaimed water, and address stormwater issues. Public participation is mandatory for the development of an effective LWMP to ensure the Plan reflects the needs of the community, now and for the future. This is especially important as the implementation of any recommendations will be funded by those in the Plan area. 2.2 WHY DEVELOP A LWMP? Advance planning can ensure that current and future needs for the management of liquid wastes for the community are met. It saves both the environment and the taxpayer by creating proactive solutions rather than the more costly option of reacting to problems as they arise. A LWMP provides an opportunity for ratepayers to assist in the process of identifying and selecting the best options for the management of liquid wastes for their community and can increase support for implementation of the recommendations to address their current and future needs. Further, there is a higher likelihood of obtaining grant monies for implementing a LWMP as the community issues that require remedial action, the environmental and health benefits of the LWMP implementation are all clearly identified in the LWMP. 2.3 HOW DO YOU DEVELOP A LWMP? LWMP Ground Rules Identify and solicit input from appropriate government agencies, Non Government Organizations (NGOs), special interest groups (if any) and the general public in the plan area Answer all questions completely and openly Consider all ideas suggested Discard suggested options only for sound technically defensible reasons with a clear explanation of the reasoning behind the decision Elected officials make the final decision on the selected LWMP option or mix of options for the management and future management of wastewaters for the LWMP plan area ONLY after carefully considering all presented information including feedback from an informed public LWMP Process The Regional District must first recognize the need for a LWMP. It must then retain consultant(s), notify the Ministry of Environment of its intent to develop a LWMP and form committees to assist in the process. Page 2

12 In this LWMP a decision has been made to combine the Technical Advisory Committee and the Public Advisory Committee to form a Single Advisory Committee known as the Advisory Committee or AC. This committee will take into account all the technical details and provide an insight into local issues, review information, and ensure the LWMP is meaningful and relevant to the citizens of the plan area. There is also an Engineering Committee consisting of RDCO staff, which will convey the LWMP recommendations to the Regional Board. This LWMP will be developed in three stages: Stage 1: Data Collection and Option Identification Identify existing situation including known environmental and health issues with respect to wastewater(s) Identify possible future issues with respect to wastewater(s) Identify potential options for the management of wastewater(s) to resolve the issues Stage 2: Option Development, Cost Analysis and Option Selection Develop identified options in sufficient detail to permit comparison between different options. This includes options that may be identified even after the completion of Stage 1 Provide clear and reasoned explanation for those options that are technically impractical Develop the Cost Analysis to a sufficient level to permit Order of Magnitude cost comparisons between options - including costs on a per household basis Present the preferred option (or mix of options) to the Regional Board for consideration based upon the information developed throughout the LWMP process and most importantly feedback from an informed public Stage 3: Finalization An Executive Summary is to be included in the Stage 3 report, based on the Stage 1 and Stage 2 reports, which would include: Details of the selected option, the process followed, and rationale for options not selected and why An outline of what is to be done; level of treatment and effluent disposition (disposal or reuse) required A schedule of stages and phases for sewage treatment plant and collection system installation and upgrades if appropriate, including costs and timing of each stage and phase of upgrade (Extracted and condensed from Stage 2) The following additional information is also included in the Stage 3 report: Any required Bylaws and who is to prepare them A summary of public involvement, including the public information meetings, presentations, media advertisements, handouts, mail-outs or other information made available to the public. (Copies of the original documents are included for reference in the appendices of the Stage 1 and Stage 2 reports) Two copies of the documents for each of the three stages of the LWMP are forwarded to the Penticton Ministry of Environment office. Ministry staff then provide comments on the plan and the adequacy of the public consultation for the Minister during the review and approval phase. Page 3

13 Ministry staff and RDCO staff work co-operatively to develop the Operational Certificate (OC) that may be necessary if treatment facilities are required as part of the LWMP. 3 LWMP AREA communities of Ellison, Joe Rich, the areas in between and the areas on the east side of Okanagan Lake outside the City of Kelowna boundaries. There are a total of 1,368 residences in the plan area with a total population estimated at 3,507 according to the 2006 census data for Kelowna. (population / number of homes = persons per household) Figure 3.0: LWMP Plan Area 3.1 ELLISON AREA: The Ellison area is outlined on the map shown in Figure 3.0, LWMP Plan Area. Of major significance to this LWMP is the fact that the Ellison area is covered by an Official Community Plan (OCP). An OCP contains the distilled vision that a community has for its future. It contains goals, policies, drawings and plans that are used as a guide by Regional District Staff and the Regional Board for planning and land use management decisions in a way that reflects that vision. OCPs are developed in close consultation with the community involved. The OCP reflects the values that a community has for issues such as environmental sensitivity, future growth, and lot sizes throughout the plan area. Provincial regulations require that a LWMP Page 4

14 and any contained OCP(s) must be in accord and cannot conflict in any substantive detail. The Ellison OCP covers the entire Ellison area. This area is approximately 8230 hectares located to the east of the Kelowna Airport, north of the City of Kelowna, south of the District of Lake Country and southeast of First Nations Reserve #7. Provincial Crown Land lies to the east. This OCP is the only one in the LWMP area. Figure 3.1: Ellison OCP Plan Area The Ellison Area is an unincorporated community with 2,430 residents living in 948 residential units, according to the 2006 census. Page 5

15 There are four residential areas within the Ellison area: the Ellison community, Scotty Creek, Sunset Ranch and Spencer Road. These areas were originally permitted under Land Use Contracts in the 1970s, and, as they were constructed at various times since then, the level and quality of the infrastructure varies between them. Land located within the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) is subdivided into a variety of acreage lot sizes. Outside of the ALR the subdivision of 4 hectare lots into smaller lots has resulted in development incrementally spreading up the hillsides of Ellison since the 1970s. In accord with provincial legislation, the Ellison OCP includes statements and map designations for the approximate location and type of present and proposed public facilities for waste treatment and disposal sites Ellison Area: Ellison Community There are 741 residents living in 289 residential units in the Ellison Community today. There are a total of 363 parcels, so there is potential for additional development and the number of additional potential residences has yet to be determined from OCP documents Ellison Area: Scotty Creek Area There are 884 residents living in 345 residential units in the Scotty Creek area. Although there are reportedly 350 parcels of land in Scotty Creek there is no potential for additional residences and the area is considered to be fully developed. This total includes a nearby small lot strata development, K726 Figure 3.1.2: Ranch Park There are 195 residents living in 76 residential units in the 76 unit rental mobile and there is no room for additional residence accommodation. Page 6

16 Figure 3.1.3: Ellison Area: Sunset Ranch There are 351 residents living in 137 residential units at Sunset Ranch. Although there are only 142 parcels of land there is a potential for an additional 313 residential units to be constructed giving rise to a total of 450 homes once all residences have been constructed. The Sunset Ranch Golf Course is located on Anderson Road near Scotty Creek and facilities there include a clubhouse, restaurant and other associated activities Ellison Area: Spencer Road Area There are 259 residents living in 101 residential units in the Spencer Road area parcels of land and is considered to be fully developed with no potential for additional residences to be constructed. A neighboring part of this development, a boundary extension and does not form part of the study area or of this LWMP. Page 7

17 Figure 3.1.4: Ellison Area showing Country Rhodes and Sunset Ranch Page 8

18 Table 3.1: Ellison Area Population (Note: Much of the foregoing information and details were extracted from the Ellison Official Community Plan, Bylaw 1124, Schedule A, dated November, 2005, and from the 2006 census data developed for the City of Kelowna) 3.2 JOE RICH COMMUNITY: The Joe Rich area generally lies in the Mission Creek valley to the east of the City of Kelowna in the vicinity of Highway 33. The Joe Rich area is an unincorporated part of the Regional District of Central Okanagan and lies within The Joe Rich community is covered by a Rural Land Use Bylaw (RLUB) that is currently being updated. A RLUB is developed and applied in accordance with the requirements of the legislation of the Province of British Columbia. It contains some of the elements of a zoning bylaw, subdivision bylaw as well as an official community plan. A RLUB is intended to be a simple, comprehensive document for a rural area, which acknowledges the unique rural character of the area and provides direction for future growth. The community is essentially rural with generally large lots, although there are a few smaller lots less than one hectare in size. There are many lots in the 4 hectare and larger size range and even more in the 30 hectare and larger size range. Large tracts of Provincial Crown Land are located on either side of the Joe Rich community. The LWMP will reflect the appropriate waste management measures needed for rural development in the RLUB area. The RLUB will determine future land use, not the LWMP. However, the LWMP will ensure that future land uses adequately deal with the management of stormwater and wastewater. Page 9

19 Table 3.2: Joe Rich Community - Population Figure 3.2: Joe Rich Plan Area There are 956 residents living in 373 residential units in the Joe Rich area. There are 470 parcels of land in the area so it would appear that there is a potential for additional residences to be constructed, however the precise number of residences at full buildout is not available. There are two smaller lot developments in Joe Rich. Falconridge which has 52 parcels and 131 residents living in 51 homes with a potential for one more home, and Greystokes / Dion Road which has 22 parcels and 54 residents living in 21 homes with a potential for one more home. Page 10

20 Figure 3.2.1: Joe Rich Area: Falconridge Figure 3.2.2: Joe Rich Area: Greystokes/Dion Road Page 11

21 3.3 OTHER AREAS There are several other areas within the LWMP boundary, although these areas have a fairly small resident population Area including the southern tip of Lakeshore Road The southern tip of Lakeshore Road is located along the shore of Okanagan Lake to the West of the City of Kelowna boundary. The Okanagan Mountain Park boundary is to the immediate South and West. There are 22 parcels with 21 residents living in 8 residences. There is the potential for the construction of 10 additional residences for a total number of 18 dwellings. This area is currently serviced by on-site septic tank tile field systems. Table 3.3.1: Southern Tip of Lakeshore Road - Population Figure 3.3.1: Southern Tip of Lakeshore Road June Springs June Springs includes 29 parcels lots and has a resident population of 56 living in 22 residences. There is a small growth potential as another 7 residential dwellings could be constructed. As can be seen on Figure 3.0 the LWMP Plan Area map, June Springs is located to the south of and adjacent to the southern boundary of the City of Kelowna. This area is currently serviced by on-site septic tank tile field systems. Page 12

22 Table 3.3.2: June Springs - Population Tin Figure 3.3.2: June Springs McCulloch McCulloch has 28 parcels with 36 people living in 14 residences. There is the potential for 3 additional residences. As can be seen on Figure 3.0 the LWMP Plan Area map, McCulloch is located to the south of the Joe Rich community. This area is currently serviced by on-site septic tank tile field systems. Table 3.3.3: McCulloch - Population Page 13

23 Figure 3.3.3: McCulloch Chute Lake and Okanagan Mountain Park Chute Lake and Okanagan Mountain Park has 15 lots and has a resident population of 8, all of which reside in the Chute Lake area. As can be seen on Figure 3.0 the LWMP Plan Area map, Chute Lake is located to the south-west of y serviced by on-site septic tank tile field systems. Okanagan Mountain Park itself includes about a dozen lots and as it is a park has no resident population. As can be seen on Figure 3.0 the LWMP Plan Area map, Okanagan Mountain Park is located to the south of and adjacent to the southernmost extremity of the boundary of the City of Kelowna and due west of the Chute Lake area. Page 14

24 Table 3.3.4: Chute Lake and Okanagan Mountain Park - Population Figure 3.3.4: Chute Lake and Okanagan Mountain Park Other Area This is the area generally located between the plan areas noted above and is Provincial Crown Land. 4 CURRENT SITUATION 4.1 SEWAGE WASTES MANAGEMENT Ellison Area: Sunset Ranch The Sunset Ranch residential area, including the Sunset Ranch Golf Course collection system. The collected sewage wastes are conveyed to the Kelowna Pollution Control Centre (KPCC) for treatment. The KPCC is an advanced biological nutrient removal (BNR) wastewater treatment plant which discharges highly treated effluent directly to Okanagan Lake via a long deep outfall. This area is serviced by agreement with the City of Kelowna that predates the new City policy that requires all areas requesting City sewer service to petition for Page 15

25 boundary extension so that they become part of the City of Kelowna PRIOR to receiving sewer service. Now, according to the new servicing bylaw, all requests for new connections to Kelowna City sewer service must petition for the boundary extension prior to being connected. kn and operated sewage utility. This subdivision has since petitioned the City of Kelowna for sewer service and has been taken into the City by boundary adjustment and is therefore no longer a part of the Ellison area. wastes handled by on-site septic tank tile-field systems Ellison Area: Scotty Creek residential area The Scotty Creek subdivision (in the Ellison area) uses individual on-site septic tank treatment and disposal field systems as does the small lot residential development Country Lane or K726, and the Ranch Park rental mobile home park on Old Vernon Road located next to the Scotty Creek subdivision. Figure 4.1.3a Figure 4.1.3b: Page 16

26 4.1.4 Other Areas in the LWMP area No other sewage collection and treatment systems are known to exist in the LWMP plan area and specifically there are none at all in the Joe Rich area. Sewage disposal is by individual on-site septic tank treatment and tile field disposal systems. 4.2 STORMWATER MANAGEMENT There are no stormwater management plans nor has any assessment of current stormwater conditions been done for any part of the LWMP area. 4.3 AGRICULTURAL WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT There are no reports of agricultural wastewater issues in the plan area although a recent feedlot development was noted as being a concern to residents. 4.4 OTHER WASTEWATERS MANAGEMENT There are no known issues with other wastewaters in the plan area and there are no known industrial wastewater producers. 5 GOVERNMENT AGENCY COMMENTS BASED UPON THEIR LEGISLATED MANDATE The government agencies which provided comments are quoted verbatim below. In essence the comments can be distilled as follows: Interior Health (IH) has few records of septic system failures in the LWMP area and there is no pattern which identifies any area as being problematic. IH is concerned about the potential environmental impact of septic systems in the McCulloch Lake area. Ministry of Environment provided comments suggesting that at a minimum best management principles should be adopted for stormwater management. Ministry of Agriculture provided information outlining the complaint procedure for agricultural environmental concerns. Environment Canada recognized that septic systems were under the jurisdiction of provincial and local authorities but thoughtfully provided useful information with respect to educational and reference materials. 5.1 INTERIOR HEALTH Comments provided by: Gundie Volk, Senior Public Health Inspector, Health Protection, Kelowna Although we do not have record of significant failures in a specific area, considering that Ellison is so close to the Kelowna boundary we could see the Page 17

27 benefit of a shift towards sewers in this region, particularly as there is already sewer service north and south in Country Rhodes and Sunset Ranch. This area has established septic tanks systems on relatively small lots and high density, and is an existing area where much of the development is at or near the 20 years so it is expected that the systems in this area will require replacement in the not too distant future. An area of particular concern is the McCulloch Lake area as this lake is a headwater reservoir for the South East Kelowna Irrigation District. This area has high ground seasonal ground water levels and as source quality is important and it is important to minimize the impact of development which would have further detrimental effect on the drinking water supply for SEKID. Health also provided a listing of all the septic system repairs for the past 3 years. The data was tabulated and appears below. Table 5.1: Septic System Failures Reported To Interior Health This table of reported septic system failures does not show any apparent failure trend for any of the higher density or lower density development areas in the LWMP area. Even the two failures in the Joe Rich area are located on different streets. 5.2 MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT Comments provided by: Conrad Pryce, P.Eng., MOE Penticton Generally, I have no comments or concerns about the findings of the Stage 1 Report. Re: Stormwater -As mentioned at a previous committee meeting, I suggested that it would be beneficial if a short section on stormwater could be added. i.e.: minimum to adopt some stormwater best management principles, or the related guidance document? Page 18

28 5.3 AGRICULTURAL COMMENTS Comments provided by: Carl Withler, Ministry of Agriculture We act as the first attempt at resolution should a concern arise and do not "forward" them (The complaints) to FIRB. They are an independent tribunal and them directly on their own merits, or lack thereof. Note: FIRB is the Farm Industry Review Board and according to their website, under the FPPA or Farm Practices Protection (Right to Farm) Act FIRB is responsible for hearing complaints from persons aggrieved by odour, noise, dust or other disturbances arising from agriculture or aquaculture operations, and may also study and report generally on farm practices 5.4 ENVIRONMENT CANADA Comments provided by: Jean-François Ferry, P.Eng., A/ Senior Program Engineer, Ingénieur de programme senior par Intérim, Vancouver It is our understanding that the area of the Liquid Waste Management Plan includes a population of approximately 3000 residents, and most of the residents are currently on septic systems. One recent development in Ellison (Sunset Ranch) is connected to the Kelowna collection system. A number of options are currently being considered to manage wastewater across the area. These can be grouped as follows: maintain use of septic systems; connect to City of Kelowna sewer collection system; allow private developers to provide sewage collection, treatment and disposal services; regional district to provide sewage collection, treatment and disposal services and regional district to develop public education initiatives. General Federal Environmental Legislation Pertaining to Surface Water Discharges: As you are likely aware, in Canada, the management of water and wastewater treatment is primarily the responsibility of municipal and provincial governments. ole is to ensure that, under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999) and subsection 36(3) of the Fisheries Act, there are no adverse impacts on the receiving waters from toxic or deleterious substances that could affect human health, fish or fish habitat. As such, at this stage, our concerns would primarily be with wastewater management systems that would include surface water discharge components to fish-bearing waters. As a general comment, all effluents from wastewater systems in Canada must comply with all applicable federal legislation including the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 and the Fisheries Act. The Fisheries Act allows for the establishment of federal regulations under subsection 36(5) of the Act, or under another federal Act, that would permit the discharge of deleterious substances to levels set out in the regulations. At this time, there are no federal regulations that apply to wastewater effluents. It should be noted that no other legislation provides an exemption to the Fisheries Act. Page 19

29 The deposit of a deleterious substance to water frequented by fish may constitute a violation of the Fisheries Act, whether or not the water itself is made deleterious by the deposit. Subsection 36(3) of the Fisheries Act prohibits anyone from depositing or permitting the deposit of a deleterious substance of any type in water frequented by fish, or in any place under any conditions where the deleterious substance, or any other deleterious substance that results from the deposit of the deleterious substance, may enter any such water. The notion of a deleterious substance applies both to fish and to fish habitat. Case law accepts that a discharge or effluent that is acutely lethal to fish is deleterious. Compliance with the general prohibition of the Fisheries Act would therefore apply to any lake or surface water discharges. A common biological test to determine whether or not an effluent is deleterious is the Reference Method for Determining Acute Lethality to Rainbow Trout, Department of the Environment Report, EPS 1/RM/13, Second Edition December The acute lethality bioassay test is not, however, the sole indicator of a deleterious discharge or effluent. Furthermore, any substance with a potentially harmful chemical, physical or biological effect on fish or fish habitat is also deleterious. For example, substances which smother rearing areas or spawning grounds, or interfere with reproduction, feeding or respiration of fish, at any point in their life cycle are also considered deleterious. Educational and Reference Materials for On-site Septic Systems: Environment Canada does not have any legislation specific to septic systems, however, we have participated in the development of a series of education and management tools that may be useful in the development of the LWMP. First of all, we participated in the development of a video to assist homeowners in maintaining their septic systems. A series of short clips of the video can be viewed from the BC Water and Waste Association (BCWWA) website at: or from the Capital Copies of the entire video can be obtained by contacting Jean-François Ferry at jean-francois.ferry@ec.gc.ca or by phone at the Development of Management Programs for On- Toolkit was developed in response to a growing awareness of on-site system failures and malfunctions throughout the province of BC. Funding for this report was obtained from the Georgia Basin Ecosystem Initiative, a program of Environment Canada, whose mandate includes addressing environmental and health concerns within the Georgia Basin. The intent of the Toolkit is to demonstrate to local governments and other interest groups that management of these systems offers a means of ensuring their viability as a long-term wastewater treatment and disposal option. As well, the Toolkit provides guidance on the development of a management system to meet local needs and conditions. The full report can be downloaded from: Tech07_e.htm, or copies can be obtained by contacting Jean-François Ferry at jean-francois.ferry@ec.gc.ca or by phone at Page 20

30 Future Considerations: In order to better manage wastewater discharges nationally, the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME), of which Environment Canada is a member, is developing a Canada-Wide Strategy for municipal wastewater effluents. More i website at: Furthermore, Environment Canada intends to develop a regulation under the CCME Strategy. It is contemplated that this federal regulation would include wastewater effluent standards equivalent in performance to conventional secondary treatment, with additional treatment where required. Our comprehensive long-term federal approach for the management of municipal wastewater effluent will also address a number of substances found in municipal wastewater effluent that have been assessed as toxic under CEPA SEWAGE WASTE MANAGEMENT OPTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION A total of 24 options have been identified to date in Stage 1. These options were developed from input provided by the Advisory Committee, comments received from government agencies, comments made by the public and by the consultant based on past experience with similar projects elsewhere. It is possible that additional options may be suggested as a result of this report or during the development of Stage 2. Further development, costing and the selection of an option or mix of options for each area will occur in Stage 2. In general there does not appear to be any major urgency to provide sewer service to any areas that do not already have such service. However, as the situation could change at some time in the future, it would appear prudent to examine the options for each area and identify those options that could be utilized if the need should arise and eliminate those options that either will not work or are unacceptable to the residents of the area in question. The first options listed below relate to the entire area and are followed by options for the specific areas. To avoid confusion in this report and in the subsequent Stage 2 report, the options in this report have been renumbered to follow in logical sequence and so the option numbers in the Public Consultation report, which reflect the original option numbers used in the Public Information Meetings do not match. to improve the management of septic systems and so extend their useful life and delay the need to implement expensive remedial action. Option 3 involves monitoring to determine if there are any environmental or health issues or concerns that are developing and may need to be addressed. Options 4 through 22 are potential options identified for the management of liquid wastes for each of the higher density development areas that could be utilized if health or environmental issues should occur or be identified. Option 23 contains the stormwater management options identified as being appropriate for this LWMP and Option 24 identifies the process for the management of agricultural wastes as it currently exists. Page 21

31 In addition, during the public consultation process a groundwater monitoring program was suggested to provide a greater understanding of the existing groundwater quality. Further development of these options, plus any new ones that are suggested, will be expanded upon in Stage 2 and the preferred option, or mix of options, for each area will be selected by the residents of that area. Any new subdivisions must be in accord with the Ellison OCP or Joe Rich RLUB if located in either of those areas. If a proposed subdivision in those areas is not in accord with the relevant OCP or RLUB then an amendment MUST be obtained prior to commencing an amendment to the LWMP to incorporate the inclusion of the wastewaters from the proposed subdivision in the LWMP. The options below will be developed in sufficient detail in Stage 2 to permit the residents in the specified areas to comprehend the costs, environmental, health and social impacts of each of the presented options. This will permit the residents to provide informed feedback to their elected representative as to their wishes for the long term management of wastewater in their community in the LWMP area. Options may either stand alone or be combined for specific individual areas. Additional options or variations of identified options that are proposed during Stage 2 will also be considered. 6.1 OPTIONS THAT APPLY TO ALL AREAS The first three options could apply to all areas of the LWMP and could be implemented to extend the useful service life of existing systems to improve the management of septic and treatment systems and delay the need to implement expensive remedial action. The fourth option would permit the identification of initiate the implementation of the necessary remedial action that will be identified in Stage 2 of this LWMP Option 0 Maintain the status quo, leave everything as it is particularly for the lower density areas of the Ellison and Joe Rich areas Maintain the status quo with on-site septic tank tile field sewage disposal systems being used throughout the LWMP plan area. Those high density areas for which an agreement has already been made with the City of Kelowna to handle the collected sewage wastes or for which sewage treatment systems currently exist would remain serviced in this fashion. This is in accord with the existing OCP for the Ellison area and the RLUB for the Joe Rich area. New homes would be serviced by an on-site system or would connect to a sewer system if in a serviced area. Any newly created lots would need to be 1 hectare or larger in area in accord with the requirements of the Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) and the Ministry of Community Services (MCS) This option could be used for both the short and long term for much or all of the plan area, with the other options applying to specific areas on an as needed basis. Option 0 could form the first part of the solution for most of the LWMP area. It will almost certainly apply for the foreseeable future for on-site sewage disposal on larger lots throughout the plan area, specifically in the lower density areas of both the Ellison and Joe Rich areas. Page 22

32 6.1.2 Option 1 Maintain status quo but reduce health and environmental impacts by developing public education initiatives Leave all residences currently using on-site septic systems as above under, but additionally develop a series of educational initiatives to assist the residents in water conservation, septic tank operation and maintenance, septic tank recommended pumpout frequency and information on materials that are unsuitable for disposal in a septic tank. The water conservation initiative would be valuable for everyone not just the septic tank users. Organic wastes, such as food wastes, that should be composted to keep them out of the septic tank would also be best kept out of a sewage collection system as they will use up valuable biological treatment capacity at a treatment plant. This option is applicable for both the short and long term for the entire plan area as the initiatives in this option are also applicable to the existing sewered areas as well as to the on-site septic system areas Option 2 Maintain status quo but reduce health and environmental impacts by a series of bylaws Leave all residences currently using on-site septic systems as above under Option 0 and all residences in the LWMP area as above under Option 1, and additionally implement series of bylaws: Septic tank maintenance and pumpout bylaw to catch and prevent any damage or failures before they become a problem. This could be paid for by the residents by adding to the yearly taxes. Pumpout could be arranged by the Regional District with a contract to one or more septic tank pumpout companies every 3 to 5 years depending upon the recommended pumpout frequency for each area in the LWMP Source control bylaw to prohibit the discharge of unsuitable materials, such as heavy metals and toxic material, to a septic tank or sewer system. This would also include prohibiting the use of garburettors. Water conservation bylaw to regulate the use of water and mandate the use of low flow fixtures. This option would be applicable in the long term for the on-site sewage disposal systems areas. It would probably be best considered after the results obtained under Option 1 are evaluated as it may not be necessary if the majority of residents wholeheartedly embrace the proposed educational initiatives Option 3 Establish a monitoring program to determine the health and environmental impacts from development in the LWMP area Higher density on-site disposal development areas could have monitoring programs developed to determine the affect of their sewage wastes on nearby creeks and rivers as well as the affect on the groundwater of local aquifers. Initial monitoring would provide a baseline and the results of subsequent samplings would show any changes to the environmental impact of the sewage wastes disposal in each of the areas monitored. Page 23

33 This option would be applicable in the long term for the on-site sewage disposal systems areas. It would provide an indication of the impact of the higher density development areas and could be used to determine when or if these developments should be sewered. 6.2 OPTIONS THAT APPLY TO SPECIFIC AREAS Planning for the future is recommended to proactively resolve the potential for environmental and or health problems arising from failing systems or even from the cumulation of environmental impacts arising from many systems that are functioning well. Planning will allow for the acquisition of any easements that may be required for the implementation of the option or options that will be selected by the public, and endorsed by the Regional Board, during the Stage 2 process. The possible options that have been identified to date are outlined below and the relevant comments provided for each specific neighborhood within the plan area Higher density areas could connect to the City of This option would apply to existing high density areas. As noted above in Section 4.1 the current City of Kelowna policy requires that an area wishing to receive City sewer service must petition for a City boundary extension and amalgamate with the City. A) Regional District could provide sewage collection, sewage treatment and effluent disposal services to the higher density areas wanting sewer service. The RDCO would own and operate all the facilities. There is no requirement for a security deposit under the Municipal Sewage Regulation. The Regional District would also have access to low interest loans from the Municipal Finance Authority for repairs and upgrades. This option could be applied to both new developments and to existing areas. Operators could be shared between facilities owned and operated by the RDCO or be contracted from other jurisdictions perhaps resulting in substantial savings. New facilities would need to be designed and constructed to standards established by the RDCO utilizing standard fittings, valves, piping, pumps, etc. This philosophy would provide a savings in replacement inventory and prevent the use of non-standard fittings and equipment that may be difficult to repair or replace. New facilities would be designed and constructed under agreement between the developer and the RDCO, such that, the new works would be turned over to the RDCO once operational. Inspection by RDCO staff or an independent agent is recommended to ensure that the works are constructed in accord with the approved drawings. In short the RDCO would need to make arrangements for the design, construction and operation of the sewage collection, sewage treatment and effluent disposal systems. There would be a need to secure land for the facilities, obtain easements for the sewer lines, apply for grants and obtain specific discharge authorizations (Operational Certificates) from the Ministry of Environment for each facility. Page 24

34 6.2.3 Private developers could provide sewage collection, sewage treatment and effluent disposal services to the higher density areas This option has a requirement for a large security deposit with the Ministry of Environment in accord with the Municipal Sewage Regulation (MSR). The major disadvantage is that there is no option for low interest loans for repairs or upgrades should they become necessary. The majority of developers are interested in their development and not in sewage treatment operations so operation of treatment plants for new developments would either need to be carried out by a company formed by the developer or by an organization formed by the citizens living in the service area. Regular maintenance and trained operators would be mandatory Options For Sunset Ranch Sunset Ranch is located in the south western part of the Ellison area and currently has 137 residences but could have as many as 450 residences at full build-out so the area has considerable growth potential. The Sunset Ranch area has sewer service provided by the City of Kelowna and there are no known problems or issues in the area with sewage wastes. Option 4 serviced by the City of Kelowna and remain in the RDCO Ranch and there are no changes proposed for the provision of sewer services. The current agreement with the City provides sewer service while the area remains in the RDCO. There are no additional costs or any additional health or environmental impacts associated with this option. Option 5 area could have sewer service provided by the RDCO The residents are currently provided with sewer service so a new collection system would not be needed, however there would be a need to design and construct a new sewage treatment and effluent disposal system. The residents of the area would need to fund the new sewage treatment and effluent disposal facilities if this option were to be selected. As the area is currently provided with sewer services it will be necessary to confirm that provincial grants would be available to lower the costs to each household. Environmental studies and ongoing monitoring would be needed to confirm that the environmental impact of the effluent was within acceptable limits. Page 25

35 Option 6 sewer service provided by a private sewage system owner operator The residents are currently provided with sewer service so a new collection system would not be needed however the private system operator would need to design and construct a new sewage treatment and effluent disposal system if this option were to be selected. The full costs of facility construction and operation would need to be passed on to the homeowners by the private operator as there would be no provincial grants available for facility design or construction. Environmental studies and ongoing monitoring would be needed to confirm that the environmental impact of the effluent was within acceptable limits Options For Scotty Creek Scotty Creek is located in the south western part of the Ellison area adjacent to the Sunset Ranch and has 345 residences and is currently at full build-out with no additional residences able to be constructed. Scotty Creek residents currently use on-site sewage treatment and disposal systems and there are currently no known problems or issues in the area with sewage wastes. As a result, the implementation of any other types of sewage system, such as connecting to sewer service, would not be necessary until sewage waste issues arise. Option 7 Scotty Creek area could request sewer service from the City of Kelowna The Scotty Creek area is adjacent to the Sunset Ranch area and is located some distance from the City boundary. The original sewer line that was installed to provide sewer service to the Sunset Ranch development was sized to accommodate the sewage wastes from the Scotty Creek area as well. Because the Scotty Creek area is located some distance from the City boundary it is unclear whether the City would insist upon the letter of their sewer service policy or would permit the Scotty Creek area to remain in the RDCO whilst providing the area with sewer service. This option has two sub-options if the residents should decide that they wish to receive sewer services from the City. The logical first choice would be for the RDCO to write a letter requesting clarification from the City with respect to the sewer servicing bylaw and its applicability to the Scotty Creek area. If the City should consider that the Scotty Creek area is effectively part of the Sunset Ranch area and permitted connection to the sewage system without joining the City that would be one option. The second sub-option would apply if the City should insist on amalgamation before they would provide sewer service or if the residents should decide that they wish to join the City and receive sewer service. In the case of this sub option being selected the Scotty Creek area would petition for boundary expansion and request to be serviced by the City of Kelowna. Page 26

36 Option 8 service provided by the RDCO The residents are currently using on-site sewer systems so a new collection system would be needed, as would a new sewage treatment and effluent disposal system. The residents of the area would need to fund the new sewage collection, sewage treatment and effluent disposal facilities if this option were to be selected. Provincial grants may be available to lower the costs to each household. Environmental studies and ongoing monitoring would be needed to confirm that the environmental impact of the effluent was within acceptable limits. Option 9 service provided by a private sewage system owner operator The residents are currently using on-site sewer systems so a new collection system would be needed, as would a new sewage treatment and effluent disposal system. The full costs of facility construction and operation would need to be passed on to the homeowners by the private operator as there would be no provincial grants available for facility design or construction. Environmental studies and ongoing monitoring would be needed to confirm that the environmental impact of the effluent was within acceptable limits Options For Ranch Park Mobile Home Park Ranch Park mobile Home Park is located in the south western part of the Ellison area near to the Sunset Ranch area and is a privately owned rental mobile home park which has 76 residences and is currently at full build-out with no additional residences able to be constructed. Ranch Park Mobile Home Park residents currently use On-Site sewage treatment and disposal systems and there are currently no known problems or issues in the area with sewage wastes.. As a result, the implementation of any other types of sewage system, such as connecting to sewer service, would not be necessary until sewage waste issues arise. Option 10 request sewer service from the City of Kelowna The Ranch Park Mobile Home Park is adjacent to the Sunset Ranch area and is located some distance from the City boundary. The original sewer line that was installed to provide sewer service to the Sunset Ranch development was sized to accommodate the sewage wastes from the Ranch Park Mobile Home Park as well as the Scotty Creek area. Because the Ranch Park Mobile Home Park is located some distance from the City boundary it is unclear whether the City would insist upon the letter of their sewer service policy or would permit the Ranch Park Mobile Home Park to remain in the RDCO whilst providing the area with sewer service. There are currently no known problems or issues in the area with sewage wastes. As a result, the implementation of any other types of sewage system, such as connecting to sewer service, would not Page 27

37 be necessary until sewage waste issues arise. The Ranch Park Mobile Park is a privately owned system and it would be necessary for the owners to negotiate directly with the City for sewer service. This option has two sub-options if the owners should decide that they wish to receive sewer services from the City. The logical first choice would be for the RDCO to write a letter requesting clarification from the City with respect to the sewer servicing bylaw and its applicability to the Ranch Park Mobile Home Park. If the City should consider that the Ranch Park Mobile Home Park is effectively part of the Sunset Ranch area and permitted connection to the sewage system without joining the City that would be one option. The second sub-option would apply if the City should insist on amalgamation before they would provide sewer service or if the owners should decide that they wish to join the City and receive sewer service. In the case of this sub option being selected the Ranch Park Mobile Home Park would petition for boundary expansion and request to be serviced by the City of Kelowna. Option 11 have sewer service provided by the RDCO The residents are currently using on-site sewer systems so a new collection system would be needed, as would a new sewage treatment and effluent disposal system. The residents of the area would need to fund the new sewage collection, sewage treatment and effluent disposal facilities if this option were to be selected. Provincial grants would be unlikely as the park is privately owned and the owners would almost certainly need to pass the along costs to each household. Environmental studies and ongoing monitoring would be needed to confirm that the environmental impact of the effluent was within acceptable limits. Option 12 have sewer service provided by a private sewage system owner operator The residents are currently using on-site sewer systems so a new collection system would be needed, as would a new sewage treatment and effluent disposal system. The full costs of facility construction and operation would need to be passed on to the owners of the mobile home park, as there would be no provincial grants available for facility design or construction. Environmental studies and ongoing monitoring would be needed to confirm that the environmental impact of the effluent was within acceptable limits Options For Country View Area The Country View area is located in the north western part of the Ellison area adjacent to the border with the City of Kelowna and it has 101 residences and is currently at full build-out with no additional residences able to be constructed. The residents of the Country View area have been very proactive in operating and maintaining the septic tank tile field systems in their subdivision. They have enacted a regular pump-out program to attempt to ensure they achieve the Page 28

38 maximum longevity from their systems and there are currently no known problems or issues in the area with sewage wastes. As a result, the implementation of any other types of sewage system, such as connecting to sewer service, would not be necessary until sewage waste issues arise. Option 13 service from the City of Kelowna The Country View area is adjacent to the City boundary and under current City policy would be required to amalgamate with the City in order to receive sewer service. (Note: The neighboring area Country Rhodes was required to amalgamate with the City in order to receive sewer service.) Option 14 service provided by the RDCO The residents are currently using on-site sewer systems so a new collection system would be needed, as would a new sewage treatment and effluent disposal system. The residents of the area would need to fund the new sewage collection, sewage treatment and effluent disposal facilities if this option were to be selected. Provincial grants may be available to lower the costs to each household. Environmental studies and ongoing monitoring would be needed to confirm that the environmental impact of the effluent was within acceptable limits. Option 15 service provided by a private sewage system owner operator The residents are currently using on-site sewer systems so a new collection system would be needed, as would a new sewage treatment and effluent disposal system. The full costs of facility construction and operation would need to be passed on to the homeowners by the private operator as there would be no provincial grants available for facility design or construction. Environmental studies and ongoing monitoring would be needed to confirm that the environmental impact of the effluent was within acceptable limits Options For Small Subdivisions With Small Lots There are a number of small subdivisions that have smaller lots located throughout the plan area. As the subdivisions are relatively small and with no known health or environmental problems or issues It would appear that in most ption. These small subdivisions will be specifically discussed as their options should be re-evaluated when next the LWMP is updated or amended. The enhanced option, Option 1, which provides the residents with the information needed to prolong the life of their existing on-site systems would likely be quite beneficial as it is unlikely that sewer service would be available in the foreseeable future for these areas. Page 29

39 Option 16 The Falconridge area is a 52 lot small lot subdivision located in the northern part of the Joe Rich area and there are currently 51 homes constructed leaving room for only one additional home before the development is complete. There are currently no known problems or issues in the area with sewage wastes. As a result, the implementation of any other types of sewage system, such as connecting to sewer service, would not be necessary until sewage waste issues arise. Also, it would appear more likely that a community sewer system would be installed. The area is too far from the City of Kelowna for any consideration of connection to City services to be included in this LWMP at this time. Option 17 The Greystokes/Dion Road area is a 22 lot small lot subdivision located in the northern part of the Joe Rich area to the south of the Falconridge area and there are currently 21 homes constructed leaving room for only one additional home before the development is complete. There are currently no known problems or issues in the area with sewage wastes. As a result, the implementation of any other types of sewage system, such as connecting to sewer service, would not be necessary until sewage waste issues arise. Also, it would appear more likely that a community sewer system would be installed. The area is too far from the City of Kelowna for any consideration of connection to City services to be included in this LWMP at this time. Option 18 The June Springs area is located in the southern part of the plan area and has 14 existing residences with a maximum of 17 residences at full build-out. There are currently no known problems or issues in the area with sewage wastes. As a result, the implementation of any other types of sewage system, such as connecting to sewer service, would not be necessary until sewage waste issues arise. Also, it would appear more likely that a community sewer system would be installed. Option 19 The McCulloch area is located in the southern part of the plan area and has 22 existing residences with a maximum of 29 residences at full buildout. There are currently no known problems or issues in the area with sewage wastes. As a result, the implementation of any other types of sewage system, such as connecting to sewer service, would not be necessary until sewage waste issues arise. Also it would appear more likely that a community sewer system would be installed. Option 20 area The Chute Lake area is located in the south western part of the plan area adjacent to Okanagan Mountain Park and has 3 existing residences with a maximum of 9 residences at full build-out. Okanagan Mountain Park has no residences. There are currently no known problems or issues in the area with sewage wastes. As a result, the implementation of any other types of sewage system, such as connecting to sewer service, would not be necessary until sewage waste issues arise. Also it would appear more likely that a community sewer system would be installed. Page 30

40 Option 21 The Lakeshore area is located in the south western part of the plan area adjacent to Okanagan Lake and abutting Okanagan Mountain Park and the City of Kelowna. There are 8 existing residences with a maximum of 22 residences at full build-out. There are currently no known problems or issues in the area with sewage wastes. As a result, the implementation of any other types of sewage system, such as connecting to sewer service, would not be necessary until sewage waste issues arise. Option 22 subdivisions should occur The Lakeshore area is located in the south western part of the plan area adjacent to Okanagan Lake and abutting Okanagan Mountain Park and the City of Kelowna. There are 8 existing residences with a maximum of 22 residences at full build-out, however, there have been reports of potential subdivision of large lots in the area and as the area is adjacent to the City of Kelowna there is the potential to connect to the City sewer system. The sewer system terminates some distance from the current City boundary and it would likely be very costly to extend the sewer just for the residents of the Southern Tip of Lakeshore Road. The costs will be identified during the development of Stage 2. The current City policy requires the area to petition for boundary adjustment and become part of the City in order to receive City sewer service. There are currently no known problems or issues in the area with sewage wastes. As a result, the implementation of any other types of sewage system, such as connecting to sewer service, would not be necessary until sewage waste issues arise. 7 Option 23 The cost of including a Stormwater Management component to this LWMP would be prohibitive within the current budget. Thus it would be prudent to consider the option of conducting a Stormwater study for the entire plan area - perhaps as a single study or perhaps as a series of studies for each of the areas of the LWMP. Existing watershed studies conducted for the City of Kelowna by Dayton & Knight should also be reviewed. This approach has the advantage that funding for these studies would be eligible for Provincial funding assistance. The information from these studies would be available for incorporation into the LWMP process when this LWMP is next amended. If critical issues were identified they could be addressed much sooner or the information could be the trigger to begin the LWMP update process. Perhaps a stormwater policy for new subdivisions would be a reasonable approach with remedial measures funded by the developer and could be installed when the basic services are installed prior to the construction of any homes. The Ministry of Environment has suggested that the RDCO adopt some stormwater best Stormwater Planning: A Guidebook for British Columbia in pdf (Adobe Acrobat) format from Stormwater issue resolution would be short term for the development of policies for new subdivisions to long term for the studies. Page 31

41 8 Option 24 The Ministry of Agriculture regulations cover the management of liquid wastes on agricultural lands. The Ministry has an established resolutions system in place should any concerns arise. The FIRB (Farm Industry Review Board) are an independent tribunal and accept ding to their website, FIRB is responsible for hearing complaints from persons aggrieved by odour, noise, dust or other disturbances arising from agriculture or aquaculture operations, and may also study and report generally on farm practices. Thus, agricultural wastewater issues or complaints should first be brought to the attention of the Ministry of Agriculture and if a satisfactory resolution is not identified the matter can be referred to the FIRB by the original complainant. If the issue remains unresolved and pollution can be shown to be occurring as a result of the operation then the Ministry of Environment may take action to stop the pollution. Agricultural wastewater issue management is ongoing and current. 9 OTHER WASTEWATERS MANAGEMENT No other wastewater issues have been identified to date in the plan area. Page 32

42 SEWER SERVICE POLICY Page 33

43 APPENDIX A Page 34

44 POPULATION INFORMATION MASTER TABLE Page 35

45 APPENDIX B POPULATION DATA MASTER TABLE Table B1: LWMP Area Population Page 36

46 TABLE OF OPTIONS Note: The Options shown in this table and in the main body of the report have been renumbered and modified from the original options that were presented at the Public Information Meetings to reflect feedback received at the meetings and to minimize confusion in those reading the report. Page 37

47 APPENDIX C TABLE OF OPTIONS Table C1: LWMP Options listed for each Area Page 38

48 D PUBLIC CONSULTATION REPORT AND APPENDIX LIQUID WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN Note: The Options shown in the Public Consultation Report are numbered as they were presented to the public at the Public Information Meetings. The Option information and numbering sequence as given in the Stage 1 Report was modified to reflect feedback received at the meetings and to minimize confusion in those reading the report.

49 Liquid Waste Management Plan Central Okanagan Area East: Stage 1 July 2007 PUBLIC CONSULTATION REPORT Prepared for: Regional District of Central Okanagan 1450 KLO Road Kelowna, BC, V1W 3Z4 Prepared by: Jan Enns Communications Westside Road North Kelowna, BC, V1Z 3X1 janenns@shaw.ca

50 SECTION TITLE PAGE NO. TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Overview Process Communications Committee Consultation Community Consultation Open Houses Online Feedback Option Promotion & Advertising Campaign Theme Consistent Messaging Newsletter Poster and Signage Web Site Presence Media Feedback from Consultation Process Number of Responses Comments Received AppENDIX... 8 Page i

51 Central Okanagan Electoral Area East LWMP Public Consultation Report Overview The goal of the overall public consultation process was to ensure a high level of stakeholder and public involvement in providing feedback on the proposed options to be included in the Draft Stage 1 LWMP for Central Okanagan East Electoral Area. The communication and public consultation plan was designed to ensure that community members were informed of the proposed options, and had multiple opportunities to provide their feedback as well as submit additional ideas for consideration. Effective risk-communication strategies were employed to achieve these objectives that included: fostering two-way communications to increase opportunities for feedback on existing options and solicit ideas for new ones to be considered; working closely with the single Advisory Committee (AC) to ensure the options being developed were relevant and accurate; involving the AC in the development of plans for consultation with area neighbourhoods to ensure the messages, content, and venues were appropriate and relevant; sending a newsletter to all homes in the electoral area to ensure a consistent level of information for all homes and landowners, regardless of future attendance at an open house; hosting two open house events to inform, educate, and provide opportunities for feedback through personal contact and an exit survey; providing a variety of opportunities for public feedback throughout the process; and responding to requests for additional information. Communications were segmented into three stages to support the LWMP process and to achieve a sustained level of consultation throughout the process. These stages are: process communications; committee consultation; and community consultation. Documentation of the process is included in the attached Appendix. Appendix D.1 contains a complete list of the steps undertaken for consultation itemized by date. Appendix D.2 contains samples of the collateral materials used for public information and consultation, including educational and promotional materials developed to support the review process. Appendix D.3 Page 1

52 Central Okanagan Electoral Area East LWMP Public Consultation Report contains documents related to the Advisory Committee, including meeting minutes and Appendix D.4 contains the Open House Exit Survey Response Report. Process Communications Communicating about the LWMP review process provides key stakeholders and the general public with proactive and ongoing updates about the development of the plan and future opportunities for public input. The intent is to foster transparent, consistent, and positive relations for the public and local governments. Part of this was achieved with the repetitive media coverage of the committee recruitment campaign. Process communications in Stage 1 consisted primarily of information about the LWMP as part of the recruitment of advisory committee members. Recruitment ads were placed in the Capital News on September 17, 2006 and again on October 22, 2006 due to a lack of initial response. Recruitment news release was sent the week of September 17, 2006 which generated media coverage in the Capital News, Castanet and on CKOV news. A web page was developed with recruitment and LWMP information. The web page was updated with copies of the minutes and presentations throughout the process. Committee Consultation A single Advisory Committee (AC) was established to involve key stakeholders and members of the public representing a wide range of interests in the review process and to ensure that the proposed process and options developed are feasible and supported. The information provided by the AC and from the community consultation process will be incorporated into the draft Stage 1 Plan and will be used to help future guide decisions. Committee documentation including recruitment materials and meeting minutes are contained in Appendix D.3. The single AC consists of technical staff from each of the local governments, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, Westbank First Nation, Agriculture Land Reserve, and Black Mountain Irrigation District (also representing Glenmore Ellison Irrigation District through the Kelowna Joint Water Committee) as well as seven members of the public from the electoral area. Page 2

53 Central Okanagan Electoral Area East LWMP Public Consultation Report Recruitment for committee members was publicized through advertising, news releases, and on the web site in late September Initial response to participate was low and additional newspaper ads were placed. With the assistance of the Area Director, twenty-three members were recruited. Meetings were held as deemed necessary; a total of three meetings were held over the course of six months. While individual membership varied throughout the process, attendance at the three meetings held ranged from 17 to 15 to 10. Meetings featured presentations by Tim Forty on liquid waste management and the long list of possible options for the area. Presentations on community consultation and planning for the open houses were led by Jan Enns. Gundie Volk of Interior Health provided presentations and information on the approval, care, and maintenance of septic tanks in response to committee requests. All meetings were held at the RDCO office on KLO Road with refreshments provided. Throughout the process, copies of the minutes and presentations were posted on the RDCO website at: The public consultation plan was developed with input from the AC. Their inside perspective was key to ensuring the public consultation process was adequate, and that messages were accurate and relevant to their broader constituents. Local members of the AC also participated in hosting the two open house presentations, answering questions and guiding attendees through the displays. Community Consultation Once the proposed options had been vetted through the AC, they were presented to the. The purpose of the community consultation was to increase awareness through the media and direct mail about the process and to promote various opportunities for input. The campaign consisted of the promotion and hosting of two open houses and an on-line component to encourage participation. Open Houses Two open houses were held and featured displays from 5:00pm to 7:00pm with a presentation on the LWMP at 7:00pm: o June 13, 2007 Ellison Heritage School Community Hall; o June 14, 2007 Joe Rich Community Hall. Page 3

54 Central Okanagan Electoral Area East LWMP Public Consultation Report The open house events started with a series of 16 display panels with information about the need to plan, the challenges faced by the area, the main content of the draft plan, including specific options by neighbourhood and options for the entire region. Other displays, as recommended by the committee, included Interior Health, Sun Valley Septic, Saura and Sons Septic System Planners and Installers, and the Regional Waste Reduction Office. Attendees had the opportunity to circulate through the display panels and engage in conversation with key RDCO staff, the elected representative, and the owerpoint presentations emceed by Hilary Hettinga, P. Eng., Director of Engineering Services, RDCO. The presentation included more in-depth information on the draft plan and septic tanks. Speaking notes were provided to ensure consistent messaging at all events. The presentation agenda was as follows: o Welcomes and introductions Hilary Hettinga, P. Eng, RDCO; o Overview of the LWMP and reasons for planning Tim Forty, P. Eng., Quaran Environmental; o Septic Tanks: Approvals, Care and Maintenance Gundie Volk, Senior Public Health Inspector, Interior Health; o Presentation of Long List of Options Tim Forty; o Question and Answer Session Facilitated by Hilary Hettinga. At all events, attendees were given an exit survey to provide feedback on the event, priorities, and on the options being presented. Attendees were also encouraged to add any additional information or suggestions for other options for consideration. Exit surveys could be completed at the open house or faxed, mailed, or ed to the RDCO office by June 22, 2007.The exit survey also included a draw for one of two free septic tank pump-outs, compliments of Sun Valley Septic. Winners of the complimentary septic tank pump-outs were Troy Tomchuk of Joe Rich ( ) and Norm Mawhinney ( ) of Ellison. Online Feedback Option An online option of an address (lwmp@cord.bc.ca) and web site information was featured in all communications to ensure those unable to attend an open house had ample opportunity to Page 4

55 Central Okanagan Electoral Area East LWMP Public Consultation Report learn more about the Stage 1 Draft Plan and to provide comments. This added component is necessary as similar government public meetings and open houses are often poorly attended. Community members were encouraged in media communications to go to the RDCO web site and provide comments via , as well as fax or mail. Promotion & Advertising A number of strategies and tactics were developed to drive traffic to the open houses and to the web site. A chronological list of events can be found in Appendix D.1 and samples of the materials produced can be found in Appendix D.2. Campaign Theme A campaign theme, consisting of a call to action, was developed to help brand the review pr was used to increase recognition in all media, advertising, and promotional materials. Consistent Messaging Messaging was developed to accurately portray the key benefits to planning, to publicize the work to date, and to distill some of the more complex liquid waste management strategies into easy-tounderstand points for the public. Speaking notes were used to assist staff with consistency between open house events. Based on principles of effective communication, messaging also reflected the multiple opportunities for two way communications between the public and the RDCO. Newsletter A four page newsletter was mailed to all homes, apartments, farms, and businesses starting the week of June 1, The newsletter was a key communication tools designed to reach all areas, especially those smaller neighbourhoods in south Kelowna and the southern tip of Lakeshore Road. The newsletter featured an invitation to the Septic Tank Social, with times, dates, and locations for the open houses, and information on how to access the web site and for those unable to attend. It contained an overview of the LWMP planning process as well as information on the specific options identified by area. The flyer was also distributed to key contacts at the Country View strata, Ellison and Joe Rich Fire Departments, and School District #23. Poster and Signage Page 5

56 Central Okanagan Electoral Area East LWMP Public Consultation Report A poster featuring information about the event and the free septic tank pump-out was created to help promote the event. Thanks to the volunteers efforts of AC members, it was posted on all community bulletin boards and mail boxes. Their assistance was also key to ensuring the open house information was posted on community notice boards in Joe Rich and Ellison. Web Site Presence For those unable to attend an open house, the opportunity to provide their feedback was facilitated through the RDCO website. Copies of the informational and educational materials were posted on the web site, accessible by a clearly marked direct link from the RDCO home page. These materials included information from the newsletter, copies of meeting minutes and presentations, including those at the open houses. Access to this online information was promoted in all communications. An article was also posted on the Joe Rich association web site, encouraging participation. Media Newspaper and radio advertising served to increase awareness of the open houses and the opportunity to access information online, and ways to provide feedback. News releases, along with a PDF version of the newsletter were used to leverage media coverage of the open house events and access to the information online. Public service announcements were sent to all media the week during the process to serve as a reminder and maintain interest. A CBC Public Service announcement was voiced to promote the event. Follow-up contact with electronic media was made to encourage coverage of the open houses. Advertisements were placed in the Capital News and Kelowna Daily Courier to run prior to the open houses. Feedback from Consultation Process Number of Responses Overall, the open houses were well attended, with a significant number of people completing the exit survey as requested. Approximately 96 residents attended the Ellison open house and of these 52 (54%) completed the exit survey. Another 27 attended the Joe Rich open house and 14 (51.8%) completed the exit survey. A total of 68 (55%) surveys were completed. Two of these were submitted by mail after the open house events. Page 6

57 Central Okanagan Electoral Area East LWMP Public Consultation Report Comments Received While the feedback received is qualitative and, therefore, not statistically representative, several consistent key messages emerged at both events, thus offering greater confidence in the outcomes. This feedback provides a snapshot of areas of public interest and concern and can provide direction for inclusion in the Stage 2 process. The completed exit survey and results are attached in Appendix D.4. Highlights of the survey include: o Attendance at each open house was clearly linked to location: in general, Ellison residents attended the Ellison open house and Joe Rich residents attended the Joe Rich open house. o Overall, respondents were happy with the open houses, with 77% indicating they were very satisfied (48%) or somewhat satisfied (29%). o The newsletter distributed to homes was the most frequently mentioned source of information about the open houses, followed by the newspaper advertisements and RDCO staff. Many respondents noted more than one source of notification. o Respondents generally felt that protection of lake water quality (78%) and ground water quality (72%) was very important. This was closely followed by education (64%) and more stringent regulations (62%). o Responses to proposed options by neighbourhood varied. The strongest support was shown for Option 5 Scotty Creek (receive City sewer but request to remain in RDCO (26%). o Respondents were asked to rank four decision-making criteria in order of importance, with 1 being the most important and 4 being the least important. Environmental considerations were ranked the most important, followed by financial, technical, and social. Eight of the 68 responses ranked two or more of the criteria as equal. Respondents also provided a number of comments, a complete list of which is also contained in Appendix D.4. Highlights of the comments indicate: o Desire to see more information on cost of proposed options; o Concern over conflicting information provided on septic tank safety; o Desire to see environmental/ground water testing to provide a greater understanding of potential problems; Page 7

58 Central Okanagan Electoral Area East LWMP Public Consultation Report o Some indicated desire to see changes such as hooking up to sewer, while others preferred the status quo. AppENDIX Appendix D.1: Chronological list of public consultation activities Appendix D.2: Samples of public consultation materials Appendix D.3: Advisory committee documentation and meeting minutes Appendix D.4: Open house exit survey response report Page 8

59 D.1 Chronological List of Public Consultation Activities LIQUID WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN Page 2

60 Chronological List of Public Consultation Activities No. Item Date Distribution Method 1 Recruitment ad #1 Sept Capital News 2 Recruitment news release Sept All area media 3 Recruitment ad #2 Oct Capital News 4 Website developed for LWMP Sept Link from RDCO home page 5 Support materials for committee and web site (Terms of Reference; Overview of LWMP process) Sept As above 6 Web site update Jan As above 7 Web site update May As above 8 Newsletter May 31- June Poster May 31- June Signage May 31- June Mailed to all homes and businesses via Canada post Placed at community bulletin boards and mailboxes. Notices posted on Ellison and Joe Rich community signboards. 11 Open house ads Capital News: Jun. 3, 10, 13 Kelowna Daily Courier: Jun. 8,11 12 Open house news release Sent June 5.07 All area media 13 Key contacts (Fire Depts., SD, Country View Strata) Jun Personalized s sent with follow up phone calls. Page 2

61 14 Joe Rich Residents Association website article Sent June 7.07 Posted on residents association web site 15 Media follow up June 6/8.07 Personal calls to key media contacts at CHBC TV, Courier and Capital News 16 Sold on hold May 31- June RDCO recorded messages played while callers on hold 16 Open houses held; displays from 5:00pm to 7:00pm; presentation on options at 7:00pm June 13/14.07 June 13: Ellison Heritage School Community Hall June 14: Joe Rich Community Hall 17 Web site updated Jun Information posted includes presentations and exit survey from open house Page 1

62 D.2 Samples of Public Consultation Materials LIQUID WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN Page 2

63 D.2 Samples of Public Consultation Materials Schedule A Recruitment ad #1 and #2 Page 1

64 D.2 Schedule B Recruitment news release September 18, 2006 News Release 1450 K.L.O. Road Kelowna, B.C. V1W 3Z4 Telephone: (250) Fax: (250) Central Okanagan East Liquid Waste Management Planning Underway and toilets into our sewers or septic fields. Or the water that drains into the storm drains on the road. Yet, planning for the management of these liquid wastes is the key to ensuring costeffective and environmentally-friendly solutions for current and future use. The Regional District of Central Okanagan is developing a Liquid Waste Management Plan (LWMP) for the Central Okanagan East Electoral Area (formerly known as Joe Rich/Ellison). This plan will provide future direction for managing liquid waste from sewers and septic systems and preventing pollution over the next 20 years. A LWMP covers more than creating solutions for managing liquid wastes. It can also deal with lot sizes, zoning issues in areas without sewer, water conservation programs, and public education programs aimed at making septic systems more environmentally friendly. The LWMP will be developed to reflect the wishes of the community and will complement the Official Community Plan and Rural Land Use Bylaw that have been developed for Central Okanagan East Electoral Area. The Regional District of Central Okanagan is seeking interested, enthusiastic individuals to represent various business, community, and neighbourhood organizations on the Public Advisory Committee (PAC) for the Joe Rich and Ellison areas. The PAC will meet to provide input, feedback, and recommendations to the Regional Distinct of Central Okanagan on proposed programs and policies that will shape the future of how we manage liquid waste to meet the needs of the community in a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly manner. The PAC will be made up of approximately people and meetings will be held approximately once every two months for up to a year. Committee members will be required to do a little homework such as giving consideration to the ideas proposed, offering new ideas, providing suggestions on how best to share information with the public, and taking updates and getting feedback from any group or association represented. If this sounds interesting to you or your organization, please complete an Applicant Profile Form, available online at or pick one up at the Engineering Services Department at the Regional District of Central Okanagan, 1450 KLO Road, Kelowna, BC. Or simply call to have one mailed to you. Expressions of Interest will be accepted until October 4, Page 1

65 Contact: Tim Forty, P. Eng Quaran Environmental Hilary Hettinga, P. Eng RDCO Director of Engineering Services Bruce Smith RDCO Communications Coordinator Page 1

66 A D.2 Schedule D Website developed for LWMP: Recruitment WEB SITE COPY: SEPT Central Okanagan East: Liquid Waste Management Planning Begins (Insert Map of Subject Area) Wanted: Interested, enthusiastic individuals with practical, technical, academic experience or interest in liquid waste management (sewage, waste water, storm water, etc.) to join the Public Advisory Committee for developing the Liquid Waste Management Plan (LWMP) for the Central Okanagan East Electoral Area (formerly known as Joe Rich/Ellison Electoral Area). The LWMP provides direction on how local governments, residents, and businesses will work to manage liquid waste from sewage and septic systems to ensure cost-effective and environment-friendly solutions now and for the future. The Public Advisory Committee will work with the Regional District and its consultants to review options and provide feedback that will set the direction for the next 20 years. The Public Advisory Committee will meet at the Regional District offices approximately four to six times over the course of the next year starting this fall. Members will represent varying interests including individuals, neighbourhood associations, businesses, construction, and other industries. Members must be residents of or have interests in the Central Okanagan East Electoral area (formerly known as Joe Rich/Ellison) and have a qualified interest in helping to manage waste and prevent pollution in the years to come. If this sounds interesting to you or your organization, please complete an Applicant Profile form, available on line at or pick one up at the Engineering department at the Regional District of Central Okanagan, 1450 KLO Road, Kelowna, BC, or call to have one mailed to you, or download one here (hyperlink). Expressions of Interest will be accepted until October 4, LWMP@cord.bc.ca. Click here for more information: Applicant Profile Form Public Advisory Committee Terms of Reference Overview of Liquid Waste Management Planning Process (downloads added as PDFs) Page 1

67 Web site update: Jan. 11, 2007 A D.2 Schedule D Central Okanagan East: Liquid Waste Management Planning Underway and toilets into our sewers or septic fields. Yet, planning for the management of these liquid wastes is the key to ensuring cost-effective and environmentally-friendly solutions for current and future use. The Regional District of Central Okanagan is developing a Liquid Waste Management Plan (LWMP) for the Central Okanagan East Electoral Area (formerly known as Joe Rich/Ellison). This plan will provide future direction for managing liquid waste from sewers and septic systems and preventing pollution over the next 20 years. What is a Liquid Waste Management Plan? A LWMP is a plan that charts the future course of action for the management, collection, treatment, and final disposal of sewage and other wastewaters in a given area. Once complete, the plan will help protect human health and the environment, aid in water conservation, reduce the amount of wastewater to manage, and address stormwater issues. The LWMP will complement the Official Community Plan and Rural Land Use Bylaw for Central Okanagan East Electoral Area. The plan will be developed over the next six to eight months with ample opportunity for public input for creating proactive solutions to managing increasing amounts of wastewaters generated as the area continues to grow. Public Participation is Key Public participation is mandatory to ensure the plan reflects the needs of the community, now and for the future. This is especially important as the implementation of any recommendations will be funded by those in the plan area. To ensure that the interests of area residents are reflected in the plan, the Regional District has established an Advisory Committee (AC) made up of area residents and technical and government representatives to oversee and provide input on the development of the plan and provide recommendations to the Regional District. The AC will also assist with plans to create opportunities for community feedback on any proposed options, such as open houses, public meetings, and internet access to information. Meeting agendas, minutes, and background information will be posted here to allow easy access at any time during the process. For more information, please contact: Hilary Hettinga, P.Eng Director of Engineering RDCO hhettinga@cord.bc.ca Tim Forty, P. Eng Quaran Environmental (250) tforty@shaw.ca Jan Enns, MA Jan Enns Communications (250) janenns@shaw.ca Page 2

68 Website Update: May 28, 2007 D.2 Schedule E Page 1

69 Web site update: June 22, 2007 Page 1

70 D.2 Schedule F Newsletter Poster Page 1

71 D.2 Schedule G Newsletter Page 1

72 Appendix Schedule H Open house ads Page 1

73 Appendix Schedule I Open House News Release News Release 1450 K.L.O. Road Kelowna, B.C. V1W 3Z4 Telephone: (250) Fax: (250) June 5, 2007 Central Okanagan East Electoral properly is key to protecting human and environmental health as well as water quality. residents and businesses to two open houses that will provide information on caring for their septic tanks, as well as the opportunity to give their input on the Liquid Waste Management Plan (LWMP) being developed for the area. pm to 8:00 pm on June 13 th at the Ellison Heritage School Community Hall and June 14 th at the Joe Rich Community Hall. Area residents can view displays from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on wastewater options for their neighbourhood and learn more about septic tank care presented by the RDCO, Sun Valley Septic, Saura and Sons (septic system planners and installers) and Interior Health, and find out more about recycling and solid waste management from the Regional Waste Reduction Office. A presentation on the LWMP and septic tank care will be held at 7:00pm. Residents can also enter a draw for one of two free septic tank pump-outs compliments of Sun Valley Septic valued at approximately $250 each. Residents and businesses will find more information, including an overview of the possible options for managing wastewater in their area, in a newsletter being mailed to Central Okanagan East Electoral Area homes and businesses this week. us to view the displays and learn more about septic tank care, as well as have their input on developing septic tank and field costs Page 1

74 thousands of dollars to repair or replace, so proper care and planning is essential for homeowners and for The Septic Tank Social Open Houses are part of the public consultation required by the Ministry of Environment for the three stage process for developing a LWMP. The first stage consists of working with an advisory committee to create a long list of all possible options for managing wastewater and sharing this list with the community via open houses, a newsletter, and the web site to gain feedback and any new ideas for investigation. In the next stage, criteria are developed to create a short-list which includes costs that can be shared with the community for input. Community feedback helps guide the recommendations that will go before the Regional Board and the Ministry of Environment for approvals at each stage. In the final stage, implementation gets underway once the recommendations are approved. Currently, there are approved LWMPs in various stages of implementation in the Central Okanagan, with the exception of Central Okanagan East Electoral Area and some parts of rural Electoral Area Westside. in an environmentally-sound, practical, and acceptable manner many residents come out to meet their neighbours, enjoy some refreshments, take in the displays and For more information, visit our website at and look for Central Okanagan East Area Liquid Waste Management Plan under Quick Links. Contact: Hilary Hettinga, P. Eng. RDCO Director of Engineering Services Jan Enns, MA Project Communications Jan Enns Communications (cell) Bruce Smith RDCO Communications Coordinator Page 1

75 Appendix Schedule J Public Service Announcement Draft Public Service Announcement To go: June 7th Central Okanagan East: Septic Tank Social Open House Invite Central Okanagan East Electoral Area residents and businesses are invited to a Septic Tank Social Open House on June 13 th at the Ellison Heritage School Community Hall and on June 14 th at the Joe Rich Community Hall with displays and refreshments from 5pm to 7pm and presentations at 7pm. Learn more about septic tank care, have your say on the Liquid Waste Management Plan for your area, and enter to win a free septic tank pump out! Watch your mailbox for more info this week! For more information visit For media information contact: Hilary Hettinga, P Eng Director of Engineering Services RDCO Jan Enns, MA Project Communications (cell) Jan Enns Communications

76 Media Coverage Appendix Schedule K

77

78 Appendix Schedule L CBC Public Service Announcement To go: June 7th Want to learn more about septic tank care? Want to have your say on plans for managing wastewater in your area? And maybe even win a free septic tank pump-out? Well, if you live in the Central Okanagan East Electoral area, the Regional District of Central Okanagan invites you to a Septic Tank Social Open House on June 13 th at the Ellison Community Hall and June 14 th at the Joe Rich Community Hall with displays and refreshments from 5 to 7 and presentations at 7pm. Learn more about septic tank care, have your say on the Liquid Waste Management Plan for your area, and enter to win a free septic tank pump out! For more information visit Jan Enns, MA Project Communications (cell) Jan Enns Communications Sold on Hold Copy *Message Six: Central Okanagan East Electoral Area residents and businesses are invited to a Septic Tank Social Open House on June 13 th at the Ellison Heritage School Community Hall and on June 14 th at the Joe Rich Community Hall. Learn more about septic tank care, have your say on the Liquid Waste Management Plan for your area, and enter to win a free septic tank pump out! Watch your mailbox for more info this week or visit our online Calendar of Events at regionaldistrict.com!

79 Appendix Schedule M Speaking Notes for Emcee at Open House Introduction for RDCO Septic Tank Social Open Houses: Hilary Hettinga Welcome! My name is Hilary Hettinga and I am the Director of Engineering for the Regional District and your host for this Thanks for (say with a smile/laugh)! We hope you have had the opportunity to view the displays and talk to the consultants and committee members a bit about septic tank care and about the possible options for managing liquid waste in your area. Now, we have a few presentations for you on septic tank care and on the Liquid Waste Management Plan (LWMP) being developed for Central Okanagan East Electoral area with your input. First, a bit about Liquid Waste Manage urrently, there are approved Liquid Waste Management Plans for all areas in the region, with the exception of this area and parts of rural Westside. Planning is important for several reasons: o First, the plan will ensure that human health, the environment, and water quality are protected by identifying and implementing the best option or mix of options to collect, treat, reuse or dispose of wastewater for the future - all that liquid waste from sinks, showers, toilets, etc. in our homes and businesses; o Second, we know we may have some challenges in the future as housing densities increase and as older systems may start to fail. Planning in advance creates solutions that can reduce the cost of reacting to situations as they arise; o Finally, any options that are developed for the area need your input as they would be funded by the residents of the area. an opportunity for you to give your feedback on these possible options for your neighbourhood. We also want to hear from you about any other options that we should be looking at. Nothing is written in stone at this first stage, it is really about ou. We also heard from our advisory committee that there was a real lack of information about septic tank care and we wanted to provide more information for homeowners about looking after their systems to extend their lifespan especially when you consider that a system can cost around $7,500 and up to replace. I would now like to take a moment to make some introductions. First, we have here today some members of our advisory committee who have been a great help in giving their feedback and help with prep Add names of those present: